NitroPack vs WP Rocket – Which is The Best Performance Plugin?

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If you’re struggling to decide between NitroPack vs WP Rocket WordPress plugins for website speed and performance optimization, you’ll find answers to your questions in this post.

But to be honest, this isn’t a clear-cut answer. 

Both WP Rocket and Nitropack WordPress plugins offer excellent speed and performance features.

It’s hard to choose between the two, as they have specialization areas, making it even more challenging to determine.

Nitropack is more expensive than WP Rocket. But if you’re not just looking at the budget, there is more to read in this review of Nitropack and WP Rocket.

Let’s dive into the full details…

NitroPack vs WP Rocket Overview

WP Rocket

WP Rocket was founded in 2013 as a speed and performance optimization WordPress plugin.

Since then, the plugin has received numerous features and performance updates to remain ahead of its competitors.

As of writing, over 3.6 million WordPress blogs have already used WP Rocket to improve page speed. 

The WP Rocket plugin is undoubtedly one of the most popular premium-only WordPress plugins. It has five-star user ratings on independent review sites like TrustPilot, G2, and Capterra.

Some of WP Rocket’s notable users include Yoast, Elegant Theme, BigCommerce, TribeSEO, Financer, Neil Patel, and more. 

The primary function of the WP Rocket plugin is caching, minifying CSS and JS files, and file optimization. And it does that more perfectly than any other WordPress cache plugin.

NitroPack 

The service started in 2012 and provides caching functions for OpenCart. 

However, in 2018, the NitroPack plugin was created as a separate company to provide a complete all-in-one performance solution, including WordPress, Magento, Woocommerce, and through the NitroPack API.

As of 2022, over 160,000 websites use NitroPack for speed and performance optimizations.

That number is far short of WP Rockets’ user base. But still a remarkable achievement for a company that started in 2018.

Some of its users include SmartBlogger, Partnerize, WooCamp, Voices, and more.

NitroPack WordPress plugin comes with everything you would expect in a performance optimization tool – speed improvement, image optimization, built-in CDN, lazy load, file optimization, code minification, etc.

Does that mean NitroPack is better than WP Rocket? It depends on various factors; let’s find out which is better.

Features Comparison

WP Rocket and NitroPack have similar features, especially for code, cache, and file optimizations. Both work great and handle these aspects almost equally well.

However, other features set them apart, and you should consider them when choosing between NitroPack and WP Rocket. 

Let’s walk through the notable features found in both tools.

Caching 

Caching is the core function of both plugins and one of the features you have probably been looking for in WP Rocket vs NitroPack.

In this section, I will look at how both plugins handle cache out of the box without additional settings.

WP Rocket

WP Rocket WordPress plugin enables cache automatically; you don’t have to do anything to turn on the features. It is a default feature in WP Rocket.

There is an option for mobile cache; you can control the cache lifespan. 

At its core, WP Rocket handles all cache types and processes effectively – page cache, browser cache, and cache preloading; this allows your web pages to load extremely fast for its users.

WP Rocket deploys 80% of its settings upon plugin activation to boost maximum speed and performance.

This is one of the reasons WP Rocket is more user-friendly than most WordPress cache plugins. It doesn’t require complex configurations.

NitroPack

NitroPack offers the most basic cache features you would expect from an advanced performance solution. Page cache, browser cache, and other types of cache. 

In WP Rocket, you’ll find cache preloading, which helps load web pages in the background before the user loads them.

NitroPack has cache warmup preloading, which loads pages in the background for users before loading. But NitroPack has a few impressive cache features not found in WP Rocket. 

For example, you can view a graph like analytics of NitroPack advanced cache usage. This allows you to see the cache hit ratio to resource usage. 

The smart cache invalidation features also update your website pages in the background without deleting the cache version until a new version page is ready.

This process helps retain the website user’s experience during peak traffic periods. 

This is not available yet in WP Rocket; it will be good to see it in a future update.

However, NitroPack doesn’t give you control over its cache setting as you have in WP Rocket; maybe in future updates.

Overall, the NitroPack plugin seems to handle the cache better. 

CDN – Content Delivery Optimization

A content delivery network improves performance by storing your site content on multiple servers across the Internet. 

When users request information from your site, the CDN will look up the user’s IP address to determine the nearest server location and serve the content from it.

This will result in a much faster website, improved user experience, and better performance. 

Let’s see how WP Rocket vs. NitroPack integrates CDN into their offerings.

WP Rocket

WP Rocket does not have a CDN built into it, but it does have RocketCDN, an add-on powered by StackPath. You can configure it to work with your WP Rocket cache plugin and benefit from both tools.

Apart from its RocketCDN, WP Rocket integrates seamlessly with Cloudflare, BunnyCDN, and all major CDN service providers, so you can use any of those if you prefer by adding the CDN CNAME record.

The drawback is that RocketCDN is a separate product from the WP Rocket cache plugin, so you’ll need to purchase a monthly subscription, which costs $7.99/month – unlimited bandwidth.

Aside from the extra fee, there’s no issue using CDN with the WP Rocket plugin. You can activate the RocketCDN from your account dashboard. 

NitroPack

NitroPack has built-in CDN services powered by Cloudflare.

Cloudflare has a global network of data centers in 275 cities across 100 countries, making it one of the largest and fastest content delivery network providers.

If you’re already using Cloudflare, you must configure your domain and API settings in NitroPack.

According to the information on the NitroPack website, there’s no option to use another CDN service.

If you prefer other CDN providers, this could be a significant issue. You might want to contact support to verify the CDN policy before subscribing to a premium plan.

Overall, WP Rocket did a better job providing many options using CDN services with its plugin.

But both NitroPack and WP Rocket offer Gzip and Brotli compression formats for faster content delivery.

Image Optimization

Images are significant website optimization issues. They contribute to many on-page elements that cause heavy page size and slow loading time. 

If your WordPress website images are not correctly optimized, it will run a poor user experience. 

How do WP Rocket and NitroPack stack up in this area?

WP Rocket

WP Rocket has no built-in image optimization or compression feature and a lazy load option compatible with WebP.

Though the plugin has a one-click setting option for iframe and YouTube videos, it replaces YouTube iframes with preview images and automatically adds missing image dimensions.

Lazy Loading is one of the core features of the WP Rocket plugin. Still, you must purchase its image optimization plugin – Imagify – separately if you need features like compression and optimizations.

Imagify is a separate product from WP Rocket, so it’s safe to say WP Rocket is not an all-in-one performance optimization tool.

However, purchasing Imagify is not a requirement for accessing WP Rocket. You can use any image optimization tool with the WP Rocket plugin. 

This could be an advantage if you prefer a better image optimization tool.

NitroPack

NitroPack offers a complete website performance package, including image optimization features.

When deploying NitroPack on your website, it activates the image compression and optimization modules. NitroPack uses lossy image compression in its standard mode, enabling WebP images for supported browsers.

It also allows image lazy loading features.

NitroPack has adaptive image resizing features, automatically resizing image file sizes to fit their containers. This feature is enabled for customers on the Growth plan.

This helped to fix one of Google’s page speed error messages – image elements do not have explicit width and height. 

The thing is, NitroPack saves you the installation of an image optimization plugin, which would have added to the number of installed plugins.

Also, if having everything in one package is your choice, NitroPack is the best option.

But when you look at the cost, you’re spending more on an image optimization tool with NitroPack.

NitroPack’s single website plan starts at $17.50/month, which gives us $210 for an annual payment.

WP Rocket single license costs $59 for the annual plan.

If you sign up for the Imagify unlimited image optimization plan, which costs $99.9/annually, you’ll pay $158.9 annually for both plugins.

So, it is cost vs. convenience – make a choice.

HTML, CSS, and JavaScript Optimization

File and code optimization is one of the core functions of both NitroPack and WP Rocket. 

But how do they treat files and code optimization? 

WP Rocket

WP Rocket offers many advanced HTML, CSS, and JavaScript code optimization tools. This feature is one of the most powerful in the WP Rocket plugin.

For example, you can minify, delay, and defer all JS files and remove unused CSS files. 

You can generate critical CSS files and combine files to reduce the number of HTTP requests. You can also exclude internal and third-party files from minification and concatenation.

Enter each URL you want to exclude per line.

WP Rocket will load all JS files with the deferred attributes if you enable the deferred JavaScript option.

This will eliminate the render-blocking resources error message in many page speed testing tools.

You can also improve website performance by delaying JavaScript execution on a page until user interaction. It’s like lazy Loading for JS files. 

WP Rocket offers the essential files and code optimization tools you need.

NitroPack

In terms of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript file optimization, NitroPack seems to be ahead. It offers more advanced options for optimizing code delivery than WP Rocket.

NitroPack does everything WP Rocket does to optimize files and codes, but with much more. 

NitroPack gives you more customization options for file settings. You can define more advanced rules to exclude files from modification. 

For example, you have more options for HTML settings and more opportunities to create custom CSS rules for optimized pages. 

If you display ads on your blog, you can optimize ad delivery to not block the initial page rendering.

Suppose you use the OptinMonster WordPress plugin; you can enable/disable its script from optimization.

Though not everyone will need the Ads and OptinMonster HTML, JavaScript, and CSS file optimization features, it is worth having there.

While WP Rocket provides all the essentials, NitroPack goes beyond.

Ease of Use

Both solutions are easy to set up and use. Even for a first-time user, you don’t need rigorous tutorials or steps to follow.

With a few clicks, you’re all set up and ready to go. Nevertheless, let’s see how both solutions are deployed.

WP Rocket 

First, get the plugin from this link. Register your account by completing the purchase process. 

After that, download the plugin in the zip file to your computer, upload the zip file to your website, and activate it.

Your License is automatically activated in the background, so it is unnecessary to do it manually.

Upon activation, WP Rocket automatically deploys 80% of its default settings. This is all you need for many WordPress blogs to improve performance and page speed.

WP Rocket Cache function is automatically activated upon activating the plugin, with the option to enable it for mobile users and choose whether you want a separate cache file.

Every WP Rocket plugin’s settings are straightforward; if you need to understand the use of any features or settings, use the Need Help option.

But if you must finetune the settings, WP Rocket has an inbuilt pop-up self-help that guides you through the settings, or you should watch the video tutorials in that section.

NitroPack

Opening a NitroPack account is easy. Go to the NitroPack website and select a plan (you can start with the free plan). 

Next, complete the registration process by entering a few details. Ensure you enter the correct domain you will be using with NitroPack.

Once your account is set up, you can connect NitroPack to your WordPress blog through the connector plugin. 

Some optimization features are enabled by default. You will see them at the bottom of the page. 

You can further adjust specific features on the settings tab to improve performance and speed.

Overall, WP Rocket vs. NitroPack did a great job providing a smooth user experience. It is a tie. 

Compatibility

Both plugins (NitroPack and WP Rocket) are compatible with most WordPress hosting, themes, and plugins. 

However, WP Rocket is specifically made for WordPress blogs. This makes it a better option than NitroPack if you’re a WordPress user.

On the other hand, NitroPack is a cross-platform website performance solution, making it the better option if using different content management systems. 

Several users have complained about breaking their sites after installing NitroPack.

So, I suggest you test the caching tools on staging sites before deploying them on a live website.

WP Rocket is much more stable and compatible with WordPress websites, which is why it is the better option for many WordPress websites. 

WP Rocket and NitroPack Supports

WP Rocket and NitroPack offer the same support system – Tickets and help documents. One would expect more from NitroPack based on its high price, though.

At least, something like live chat and dedicated high-priority support for its paying customers. But that’s not the case, anyway. 

However, Nitropack’s support has received a lot of backlash both in the past and now. Many users have complained about the lack of adequate support from the team.

And in some cases, they ignore it entirely or try to avoid contact, especially when it is a matter of a refund.

WP Rocket support has improved over the years; the support team has been one of the company’s best achievements.

You can see reviews like this from many happy customers, which attests to the millions of marketers using the product. 

When you purchase the WP Rocket plugin, you get an invitation to join the WP Rocket Facebook community with over 17.5k (as of writing this line) other WP Rocket users. This could be an advantage to learning more about the product from real-world users.

WP Rocket and NitroPack Pricing

Regarding pricing, WP Rocket is more affordable than NitroPack, offering the best value for money and excellent customer service.

Here’s what you pay for buying WP Rocket.

• Single Site Licence – $59/year
• Three websites License – $119/year
• Unlimited websites License – $299/year

All WP Rocket pricing licenses come with 1-year product updates and customer support.

And here’s what NitroPack pricing for the premium license:

• Business – $17.50/month (50,000 pageviews/month)
• Growth – $42.50/month (200,000 pageviews/month)
• Scale – 146.67/month  (1,000,000 pageviews/month)

Note: If you subscribe to a Nitropack plan today, you save a 5% discount.

For pricing, WP Rocket seems to be the better option for many reasons.

It is affordable and does not bill by the number of page views or bandwidth consumed. And you could use it on multiple websites, except for its single License.

NitroPack allows only one website in all its premium plans, which is not ideal for an agency or if you want to use the service on multiple websites.

Though you can arrange multiple websites on the customs plan, you must talk to support. 

Editor’s Pick – NitroPack vs. WP Rocket

It is hard to decide which is better, NitroPack vs. WP Rocket. It depends on several factors. 

Your business needs, budget, blogging platform, and experiences will significantly influence your decision. 

But as I said earlier, budget aside, WP Rocket is the better choice if you want a solution that gives you faster webpages and the best user experience and fixes core web vitals without being aggressive.

NitroPack is also a good choice, but you must test thoroughly to ensure compatibility and use the best SEO practices. And the budget is something to think of.

FAQ – NitroPack and WP Rocket

If your question about WP Rocket’s comparison to NitroPack is not answered below, use the comment box to reach out.

Conclusion 

Choosing between NitroPack and WP Rocket is challenging, especially if you’re not bothered about the budget. 

Both performance solutions have pros and cons; your choice depends on several factors. But in this post, I have given you a lot of information you need to make the right decision. 

However, WP Rocket is much better if you prefer WordPress-specific performance and speed optimization plugins. 

On the other hand, NitroPack works on other content management systems. 

This could be an advantage if you have websites running on other blogging software and want a single account for all websites. 

If you have questions about NitroPack vs. WP Rocket, please ask through the comment box below.